Human Physiology – The Digestive System (Part 3)
🧠 Human Physiology – The Digestive System (Part 3) 🧬 The Liver – Master Chemist of the Body The liver is the largest gland in the human body and plays a crucial role in digestion, metabolism, and detoxification. 📍 Location & Structure The liver is located in the upper right side of the abdominal cavity, just below the diaphragm. It is divided into two main lobes. The functional units of the liver are called hepatic lobules , each made up of hepatocytes . 🌿 Functions of the Liver in Digestion Bile Production : The liver produces bile , a yellowish-green alkaline fluid. Bile contains bile salts , bile pigments (bilirubin and biliverdin), and cholesterol . It is stored in the gallbladder and released into the duodenum. Emulsification of Fats : Bile salts help break down large fat globules into smaller droplets (emulsification), increasing the surface area for enzymes to act on. No Enzymes in Bile : Unlike other digestive juices, b...